Ready for a finance career where accuracy and accountability drive real impact?

SC First Steps seeks a Senior Accountant to play a key role in the agency's accounting and reporting. Reporting to the Director of Finance, responsibilities for this position include:

+Developing ledger and payroll distribution analyses and account and grant reconciliations.
+Preparing monthly financial status and grant expenditure reports, grant draw requests, and contract billings based on reconciled costs.
+Assisting with auditor requests and fiscal monitoring and helping identify improvements in accounting and reporting processes.

Qualified candidates please apply here: bit.ly/4sPhW2w

We’re hiring a 4K Eligibility and Attendance Specialist at SC First Steps!

This position is committed to providing efficient and accurate data entry and a high level of customer service with First Steps 4K families and providers.

What you’ll do:
+Process and determine eps 4K student applications, verifying all documents using prescribed parameters and maintaining electronic filing of required documents in a timely fashion.
+Communicate determination of eligibility to 4K families using email, text and phone calls as appropriate.
+Serve as an attendance liaison to First Steps 4K families and initiate communications when students reach specific absenteeism thresholds.
+Support the 4K Administrative Manager, 4K Operations Analyst and the Continuous Quality Improvement Manager in reviewing and processing request submissions.

Apply now! bit.ly/3UjqMsu

We’re hiring a Senior Director of 4K Operations at SC First Steps!

Looking to lead high-impact operations that directly shape early childhood education across South Carolina?

Reporting to the Chief of Early Learning, this position will oversee operational functions for a $50M+ g nearly 350 4K sites, thousands of families and early educators statewide.

What you’ll do:

+Drive organizational effectiveness from site recruitment and retention, initial contracting and classroom material logistics to ongoing performance monitoring, family engagement and contract renewal.
+Lead the creation and continuous improvement of internal standard operating procedures and public-facing operational guidelines aligned with the agency's strategic vision.
+Act as the high-level point of contact for inclusion practices, behavioral intervention resources and 4K site/family support.
+Analyze operational data and performance trends to lead continuous quality improvement strategies across the statewide network of 4K sites.

Apply now or tag an operational leader in your network who would be a great fit! bit.ly/4i8PmE2

Today is Give Like Dolly Day! 9-to-5 ⏰🎶

You can help even more children grow up with the joy of books and reading by designating your #GiveLikeDolly donation to a First Steps Local Partnership near you! gcld.co/ZyGz4lg

If you’re a strategic leader who enjoys turning vision into strong systems, developing people, and building the capacity of local partners to serve their communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Here's what you'll do:

Lead Operations & Teams: Oversee program and compliance staflignment, consistency, and adherence to statutory mandates.

Manage Grants & Compliance: Lead the annual comprehensive grant application, award review, and contract monitoring processes.

Provide Strategic Support: Guide local leadership through operational transitions, strategic planning, community needs assessments, and data reporting.

Build Capacity: Design and deliver continuous training for Executive Directors, board members, and staff via live sessions and our Learning Management System (LMS).

Ready to elevate local leadership and strengthen communities across the state?

Apply today or tag a leader in your network!
bit.ly/4gXeZHq

Happy International Literacy Day! Today, we celebrate the power of reading and education to transform lives across the globe.

#InternationalLiteracyDay

Happy Labor Day! In observance of this day, the offices at South Carolina First Steps will be closed on September 7th. We will reopen for regular business hours on September 8th.

#HappyLaborDay

First Steps 4K Eligibility is Expanded!

Families with children who will be 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026, with family income(s) below 300% FPL are now eligible for participation in First Steps 4K. For example, a family of four making $99,000 or less annually now qualifies. First quality, FREE preschool in private childcare, charter schools, and private schools. Check out Free4KSC.org for open slots near you!

NOTE: Parents who qualify under expanded eligibility (between 185% and 300% federal poverty level) do NOT qualify for 4K+ Sibling Scholarships.

Parents with children who will be 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2026 with family income(s) between 185% and 300% FPL are now eligible for participation in First Steps 4K. For example, a family of four making $99,000 annually or less now qualifies.

First Steps 4K provides high in private child care, charter schools, and private schools. Check out Free4KSC.org for open slots near you!

NOTE: Parents who qualify under expanded eligibility do NOT qualify for 4K+ Sibling Scholarships.

Taking the first steps with a friend is the best way to start any adventure. From providing guidance and mentorship to becoming a trusted friend, we celebrate those who go above and beyond in supporting families and young children. Thank you for caring so deeply!

#NationalFrienshipDay

Getting ready for kindergarten? Download our free Kindergarten Readiness Guide in English or Spanish. bit.ly/4wXJWSd

4K teachers in SC, it's not too late to register for the Palmetto Pre-K Jamboree! Don’t miss out on our fantastic presenter Marianne Gibbs, creator of Write Out of the Box® and registered occupational therapist, who will share a fun and fast-paced session on fine motor sp, and pre-writing by young children 3-6 years old.
➡️ Register today at palmettoprekjamboree.vfairs.com.
#WeArePalmettoPreK #4KRocks #EarlyChildhoodEducation

South Carolina 4K teachers, have you registered for the Palmetto Pre-K Jamboree yet? Don't miss the fantastic starting line up! Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., early childhood specialist and founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc.®, will share an inspiring keynote about why we show up every day ork.
➡️ Register today at palmettoprekjamboree.vfairs.com
#wearepalmettoprek #4KRocks #earlychildhoodeducation

SC First Steps seeks an Executive Assistant to provide high-level, complex administrative and project management support to the Agency Director. This position requires exceptional communication skills; strong interpersonal capabilities; and proven ability to exercise a high ound judgment, and initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Provides primary high-level support to the Agency Director, performing routine and complex duties to support the mission of the agency.
Serves as the principal administrative liaison to the SC First Steps Board of Trustees and the Early Childhood Advisory Council.
Manages complex schedules and calendaring, high-level correspondence, and special initiatives.

Requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three to five (3-5) years of high-level administrative or executive support experience. Qualified candidates please apply here: bit.ly/458zewi.

Getting ready for kindergarten isn't just about ABCs and 123s. It's about building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. KindergartenReadySC.org helps South Carolina's children get ready for school. Learn more: bit.ly/44Yqrgg

Reading is a fun and easy way to cool off on a hot day! What books are you reading this summer? #StayCool #SummerReading #EarlyLiteracy

Happy Independence Day! The offices of South Carolina First Steps will be closed on Friday, July 3. We will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, July 6.

SC First Steps seeks a visionary, data-driven, and collaborative leader to serve as Chief of Early Learning. This new position will ensure the highest level of collaboration between all agencies offering publicly funded preschool in South Carolina. In partnership with multiple er will translate complex data and research to drive decision making, resource allocation, and timely implementation of continuous quality improvement goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Accountability: Oversee the First Steps 4K continuous quality strategy and budget to increase the number of children able to achieve “demonstrated readiness” on the state’s kindergarten readiness assessment.

Continuous Quality Improvement: Lead collaboration to ensure strong infrastructure for a CLASS® driven CQI framework.

Cross-Agency Collaboration: Partner with state leaders, legislators, and diverse stakeholders to ensure early learning investments achieve the right level of impact within the early childhood workforce.

Qualified candidates please apply bit.ly/4feyz2g.

A landmark five-year study by Child Trends found that SC First Steps' Parents as Teachers home visiting program reduces child maltreatment, boosts kindergarten readiness, and strengthens parenting skills, especially for families enrolled longer. This Children's Awareness Month, at happens when we invest in families from the very beginning. Learn more at bit.ly/4baEJxR

Looking for a flexible, high-impact role in early childhood education?

SC First Steps is seeking independent contractors to serve as 4K Success Monitors across from September to April. Conduct 45-minute classroom observations to help ensure high-quality preschool environments le.

Compensation: Flat rate of $125 per documented observation.

Flexibility: Self-select morning or afternoon assignments that fit your availability.

Who is the ideal fit?
• Retired Educators wanting to stay connected to the classroom.
• Graduate Students (Education, Child Development, Social Work) looking for flexible, resume-building field experience.
• Freelance Education Consultants looking to supplement their current portfolio.

If you have a background in education, strong observation skills, and reliable transportation, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply: Check out the detailed recruitment notice at bit.ly/3Sr8wfs and submit your resume and cover letter to hr@scfirststeps.org.

Did you know siblings of 4-year-olds in First Steps 4K may qualify for scholarships covering child care and afterschool programs? Learn more at scfirststeps.org/first-steps-4k/

Today we celebrate the role that nurturing, committed dads and father figures play in the lives of South Carolina's youngest children. Happy Father's Day!

Today we celebrate and honor the promise of freedom for all. How is your family celebrating Juneteenth this year? #juneteeth

Father's Day is right around the corner! We know when dads are actively involved in early learning, children show stronger language skills and emotional development. To all of the dads and father figures out there, we see you! 💙 #FathersDay #SCFirstSteps #EarlyLearning

Reading together helps kids get ready for school. This Children's Awareness Month, try to spend 15 minutes each day reading with your child. Share your family's favorite read-aloud picks in the comments! 📚 #EarlyLiteracy #ChildrensAwarenessMonth

Let's play outside today!🌳

Celebrate World Environment Day by getting outside with a backyard scavenger hunt or drawing pictures of bugs and butterflies with sidewalk chalk. #WorldEnvironmentDay #SCFirstSteps

June is Children's Awareness Month and we're all in! Every child in South Carolina deserves to arrive at kindergarten healthy, happy, and ready to thrive. This month, join us as we celebrate the families, educators, and communities making that possible. Tag a parent or caregiver 💛#HereForMyFuture #EveryDayBuildsTheWay #ChildrensAwarenessMonth

JOB ALERT 📢 We're hiring a Director of Communications!

Are you a data-driven storyteller and a strategic communications leader? Do you want to use your expertise to increase public awareness of school readiness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and promote participation in s across South Carolina?

We're seeking a dynamic Director of Communications to serve as a key leader within our state’s comprehensive early childhood system. In this role, you will lead a high-performing team and spearhead collaborative strategies that connect our agency's resources with parents, legislators, media, 4K sites, and local partnerships across the state. This position is essential to our mission of directing $80M in funding to support children from birth through age 5, while also supporting the vital work of the Early Childhood Advisory Council.

What you’ll do:

Drive Data-Led Strategy and Innovation: Use data to design marketing and communication initiatives that yield measurable progress toward our five-year strategic goals and full utilization of the agency’s resource and services.

Engage Statewide Stakeholders: Build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners, state agencies, media, and the State Board of Trustees.

Champion the Brand: Oversee brand management, program marketing, public information, and crisis communications.

Learn more and apply here: bit.ly/4x9DmZZ

To learn about other career opportunities, visit our jobs page at: scfirststeps.org/about-us/jobs/

The offices of South Carolina First Steps are closed today, Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.

Shayla is a 4K Manager and brings over 20 years of experience in early education to this job. Her favorite part of the job is uplifting others and equipping them with tools for success.

Find out more about the great work Shayla does with First Steps 4K: scfirststeps.org/what-we-do/pro…

Last week, SC First Steps hosted a legislative breakfast to thank members of the General Assembly for their continued support of South Carolina's young children and families. The event highlighted our 2025–2030 strategic plan, "All In for South Carolina's Young Children," which al of at least 75% of children being kindergarten-ready by 2030. Thanks to all who attended, including state legislators, legislative staff, and executive directors from First Steps local partnerships, as we celebrate our collective progress and look towards our important work ahead.

With the school year ending ☀️, make a plan for the next one! If your child will be 4 by the start of the upcoming school year, then you can apply for First Steps 4K.

Apply now: scfirststeps.org/what-we-do/pro…

To the mothers and mother figures in all of our lives, we honor and celebrate you this coming Mother's Day!

It’s #TeacherAppreciationWeek! How have teachers made a difference in your life?

Share in the replies any stories you have about teachers you’ve had—or give some love to any current rockstar teachers.

Midlands Gives Day 2026 is an 18-hour day of generosity supporting nonprofits across our region. Join us in making a big impact together for our community in just one day! midlandsgives.org The following local First Steps are participating: Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, ichland, and Saluda. #MidlandsGives #MidlandsGivesDay #SaveTheDate #GiveWhereYouLive

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! A special thank you to all of those who guide, motivate, and nurture South Carolina's youngest children. From first steps to first books, you are making a difference that will last a lifetime.

#NationalTeacherAppreciationWeek

The energy was electric ⚡during our Ready for Kindergarten LIVE event last week! One key takeaway from our experts is that school readiness starts at birth and is ongoing until your child’s first day in the classroom.

Missed the event? No prob! Watch the recording: youtube.com/watch?v=XamFWF…

Happy National Tell a Story Day! Join SC First Steps in celebrating early childhood development by sharing your little learner's journey, milestones, and unique voice because their "first steps" today are building a brighter tomorrow.

#NationalTellaStoryDay #SCFirstSteps

Thank you to our Home Visitor Professionals for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to families. Your support empowers parents and helps children grow and thrive. We truly appreciate the difference you make every day! #NationalHomeVisitingWeek #NHVW2026

Take small steps today for a greener tomorrow, because when you invest in our planet, you invest in the future of our children and the kind of world they will inherit. How are you celebrating Earth Day at home or in your classroom?

#HappyEarthDay

During this National Library Week, discover your joy at the library. Enjoy books, story times, and expert help for all!

When Daquisha Downing became a mom to her premature son, Corey, she carried more than just worry about his health; she carried uncertainty. Before enrolling in Early Head Start through Richland County First Steps, she wasn’t sure what learning was supposed to look like at his age right.” Like so many parents, she was figuring it out as she went.

Early Head Start didn’t just support Corey: it supported Daquisha too. The program gave her tools, guidance, and reassurance, while also giving her the space to learn and grow. She was able to ask questions, make mistakes, and build confidence in her parenting without judgment. That support helped her recognize milestones, encourage development, and better understand her son’s unique needs.

Today, Corey is thriving, and so is his mom. Their story is a reminder that good parenting doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being willing to learn, to grow, and to accept a little help along the way. Sometimes the strongest thing a parent can do is reach out for support, and that can make all the difference.

When children enter kindergarten ready to learn, they are more likely to read proficiently, stay on track academically, and graduate prepared for the workforce. Strong starts matter for students — and for our state. #TheEarlyAdvantage #EarlyChildhoodSC

"Early Advantage: arolina’s Economic Vitality" explored how investments in early childhood development support school readiness, K-12 achievement, workforce participation, and economic growth.

🎥 View the full recording: vimeo.com/1161508689
📰 Read the press release: bit.ly/4tiFexl

With the right encouragement, children can develop a love for reading. That’s why we’re proud to support so many wonderful 4K teachers who make early reading a possibility!

What books do children love for story time 🤔? Share in the replies!

Have you signed up for Ready for Kindergarten LIVE yet? Don't miss this FREE opportunity to get expert advice on a smooth transition into school on Friday, 4/24, at 12 pm (noon).
Register now: readyforkindergarten.vfairs.com/en/registratio…

NAEYC's Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize how high-quality early childhood education boosts the well-being of children and helps parents find and keep jobs. Let's celebrate together by sharing the joy of learning, encouraging play, and uplifting early educators this ork #WOYC #WeekOfTheYoungChild

Happy National Siblings Day! Did you know that First Steps 4K students and their siblings, ages 0-12, are now eligible for child care and after-school scholarships for up to 52 weeks? Sibling scholarships can be applied toward enrollment at any licensed child care center or t participates in ABC Quality, the state’s voluntary quality rating and improvement system.

Learn more: scfirststeps.org/first-steps-4k/

Prevention is more effective, and more cost-efficient, than intervention. Supporting families early reduces long-term system involvement and strengthens communities, and it starts in early childhood.

A First Steps 4K experience can nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in your children. One mother, Rebekah, shares how First Steps supported her family.

Check out Rebekah’s story: scfirststeps.org/news-resources…

Hey South Carolina taxpayers! This tax season, you have a simple way to make a big difference in the lives of our state's youngest children. When completing your state income taxes, don't forget to check the box for South Carolina First Steps. It's an easy step that will touch ddlers, and preschoolers across the state, giving them the foundation they need to flourish.

✅ Your contribution is more than a donation—it's an investment in a brighter tomorrow for South Carolina!

It’s Palmetto Pre-K Day and a GREAT time to explore South Carolina’s free pre-K options for children 4 years old by September 1. Visit First5SC.org, where you can find early education programs and many more programs and services available for children 0-5. #palmettoprek

In First Steps 4K, learning is about more than letters and numbers — it’s about building confidence and giving every child the support they need to succeed and thrive. Children receive research-based instruction, individualized attention, and a curriculum designed to foster academic growth. Every new skill learned is helping them become confident learners who feel comfortable trying something unfamiliar.

With guided play, literacy-rich activities, and classroom routines that build self-assurance, students gain the tools to take on new challenges. And that courage shows up in big and small ways, from raising a hand for the first time, making a new friend, sounding out a tricky word, or stepping into kindergarten with their head held high. When children believe in themselves early on, there’s no limit to how far they can go.

Today, we celebrate International Children's Book Day by highlighting the magic of reading and fueling young minds with imagination, one page at a time. Dive into a world of knowledge and adventure by reading with your little one!

#InternationalChildren'sBookDay

You don’t want to miss this! Our Ready for Kindergarten LIVE event ✏️ is on Friday, 4/24, at 12 pm (noon). You will get expert guidance to help your children have a smooth transition into school.

Register now: readyforkindergarten.vfairs.com/en/registratio…

A new survey shows that 79% of parents with children in First Steps 4K extended day or year programs are able to work or attend school because of it.

That’s not just a benefit for families. It’s a direct investment in South Carolina’s workforce, economy, and future.

First Steps the 2026–27 school year. Find a program and apply at Free4KSC.org.

At first, Hanna Vasquez thought her son, Jase, was just shy. But when he began refusing to get out of the car for preschool drop-off, she realized she needed help. Looking for help, Hanna turned to STAR Family Partnership, a Lexington County First Steps program designed to help eady to learn by strengthening the connection between families and schools.

Through STAR playgroups, Jase was able to explore classroom-like settings alongside his mom, meeting new friends and teachers while practicing routines that would help him in school. But as kindergarten approached, Hanna wanted to make sure his next transition would go smoothly. She enrolled him in Countdown to Kindergarten, a South Carolina First Steps initiative that connects rising kindergarteners with their future teachers through a series of six weekly home visits during the summer.

By familiarizing children with routines and classroom expectation, they can start school confident, turning first day jitters into excitement. By the time school began, Jase’s fear had begun to fade. He became more confident and outgoing. “He’s made so many friends, participates in class, and comes home talking about how much fun he has,” Hanna said. “He tells me how much he loves his teachers. It’s a complete transformation.”

Countdown to Kindergarten gives parents peace of mind and empowers them to support their learning journey. Learn more about Countdown to Kindergarten here: bit.ly/4aSlB77.

As automation and technology reshape industries, employers need workers who can collaborate, adapt, and solve problems. Those skills begin developing in the first years of life.

Where 4-year-old Kyson once got flustered trying to identify letters, he now excitedly shouts, “Look Mom, it’s a K!” whenever he spots the letter on license plates, billboards, or signs at stores and plazas. At first, letter practice at home was frustrating. To make learning more ennifer Williams, turned practice into simple games, an idea she got from Small Impressions, a First Steps 4K center in Greenville County.

Read more here: bit.ly/4aXuEn9

#FamiliesofFirstSteps

At First Steps 4K, children experience structure, schedules, and shared routines that help them feel confident and secure each day. These early experiences help create a sense of predictability while teaching them how to be a part of a community.

Through play, group activities, , students build essential communication and social awareness skills. They learn how to express themselves, listen to others, make compromises and work together, skills that matter far beyond the classroom. With a strong foundation built on structure and connection, students are ready to grow, learn, and thrive in the classroom and beyond.

The data are clear: early investments produce measurable returns. Strengthening families and early learning opportunities improves outcomes in education, health, and workforce participation — while reducing long-term public costs.

Chandler Wendel lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her husband of five years and their two children, 2-year-old Jordan and 9-month-old Walker. After earning her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina and beginning her career, Chandler believed she could handle d, she admits, was the hardest challenge she’d ever faced. See how Parents as Teachers is helping parents like Chandler feel supported and confident.

Read more here: bit.ly/4cnEuB7

#FamiliesofFirstSteps

Every minute matters. Regular, consistent attendance helps children build strong learning habits, confidence, and routines that set them up for success. When children arrive on time, they’re ready to learn, connect with friends, and fully participate from the very start of the es the difference with her son, Kyson, who attends Small Impressions in Greenville County. “Once we’re ready to go, he’s excited. He does not want to be late. When he sees his friends outside, he says, ‘Mom, hurry,’ because he wants to greet them and walk in together.” Being there on time means he doesn’t miss a moment, from morning greetings to hands-on learning.

At the end of each day, Kyson comes home eager to share what he’s learned. “Every day he talks about what Miss Tammy taught them.” He loves the projects, the crafts, and building with Legos and proudly saying, “Mom, look what I made!”

In SC First Steps 4K, regular attendance keeps children on track academically and socially. Missing more than 10 days could mean losing your spot. Let’s commit to showing up every day ready to learn, grow, and thrive together. Every day builds the way!

Few people know the First Steps 4K program like April Hayes. She’s led it, taught it, and even trusted it with her own child. After serving as a 4K center director, April returned to the classroom as a First Steps 4K teacher at Rehoboth Baptist Child Development Center in h an educator and a parent, she understands early learning from every angle. 

Read more here: bit.ly/4cdrWML

Partnering with First Steps 4K means teachers are never doing this important work alone. Educators receive dedicated coaching support throughout the year, along with funding for classroom materials and student tuition. Teachers and assistants also have access to free, al development hours focused on research-based instruction, classroom management, and early literacy.

In addition, First Steps 4K provides research-based curriculum resources, family engagement tools, and opportunities to connect with a statewide network of fellow 4K educators. Events like the annual 4K Academy offer collaboration, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration, ensuring teachers feel supported, equipped, and confident as they build strong foundations for young learners.

Read here to learn how to get involved: bit.ly/3OH4fmh

At first, Hanna Vasquez thought her son, Jase, was just shy. But when he began refusing to get out of the car for preschool drop-off, she realized something more serious was happening. Jase’s separation anxiety made mornings stressful for both of them. Looking for help, Hanna nty First Steps to help Jase enter school ready to learn. Read more to see how Countdown to Kindergarten helps create a smooth transition!

Read more here: bit.ly/3P1p0ZL

#FamiliesofFirstSteps

School readiness does not start in preschool. It begins at birth, shaped by families and strengthened through high-quality early learning. Those early skills compound over time. bit.ly/46Bz6Xx

@EducationSC

Happy Read Across America Day! Celebrate the joy of literacy by picking up a book, sharing a story with a young reader, and letting your imagination run wild! Join the nationwide movement to foster a love of reading that goes beyond the classroom.

We want to know: what is your eadAcrossAmerica

Thanks to a partnership between SC First Steps and the SC Department of Social Services, siblings of children enrolled in First Steps 4K qualify for child care and after-school scholarships, ensuring families have access to consistent, reliable care that supports both working learning.

Through the First Steps 4K + Sibling Scholarship, ZaMarii and her older sister, Zelia, have access to structured, high-quality after-school care that extends their learning beyond the classroom. In a hands-on environment designed to support their growth and development, both girls are building confidence, strengthening new skills, and gaining the stability and continuity they need to thrive.

“Because of the childcare scholarship, ZaMarii now has the mindset to go further than just the average,” says Rebekah Andrews, ZaMarii and Zelia’s mother. “The hands-on environment and learning experiences they receive—it’s unmatched.” The scholarship also gives Rebekah the support she needs to work and continue pursuing her associate degree in dental science, creating opportunity and stability for the entire family.

Hey, parents! Technology has its uses but it’s always important to encourage reading in children. Hear from one parent on how she embraced books in a screen-filled world: scfirststeps.org/news-resources…

Dionne Makie always knew she wanted to teach. Originally, Dionne planned to earn a degree in Primary Education with a focus on Special Education. But life took a different path when she became a mother. Seeing her son’s growth inspired Dionne to return to school and pursue a new become a First Steps 4K teacher.

Read more here: bit.ly/400bl7I

It’s International Mother Language Day! At South Carolina First Steps, we recognize the importance of supporting children’s home languages as a foundation for lifelong learning and success. Join us in celebrating our multilanguage learners and share your favorite words or phrases below!

#MotherLanguageDay

When 25-year-old mom Catherine Stewart struggled with loneliness and anxiety, even simple things like playdates felt overwhelming. After sharing her feelings with her DSS social worker, she was introduced to Parents as Teachers through Richland County First Steps. Catherine's s when public and private partners align their strengths to serve children and families more efficiently and effectively.

Read More Here: bit.ly/4tGlqV3

#FamiliesofFirstSteps

Happy Presidents Day! Our South Carolina First Steps offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17th.

Happy Thanksgiving! We're thankful for all that you do for South Carolina's children.

Our offices are closed Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28.

Every day in preschool helps build the way to success in kindergarten and beyond. That’s why we’ve launched a new effort to engage families and support strong attendance for children enrolled in First Steps 4K.

📄 Read the announcement: bit.ly/4myQhP0

SC First Steps has received a $2.25 million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation to launch a new regional pilot focused on improving kindergarten readiness for children living at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

📄 Read the press release here: bit.ly/44N2zfn

Happy #FathersDay to the dads, granddads, and father figures who show up every day with love, care and commitment. Your presence makes a lasting difference in your child’s life. Today, we celebrate you and all the ways you help children learn, grow, and thrive!

The offices of South Carolina First Steps will be closed today, Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.

Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we celebrate all the moms, grandmothers, stepmoms, foster moms, aunts, and mother figures who nurture, guide, and love.

You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and the impact you make lasts a lifetime. Thank you for all you do 🤍

Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek! 🍎 A special thank you to those who care for our youngest children—from first steps to first books, you’re making a difference that will last a lifetime.

It’s a big day of giving in SC! 🌞 Support babies, toddlers & preschoolers in your community through #MidlandsGives & #PalmettoGivingDay.

Give now: midlandsgives.org | palmettogivingday.org

SC First Steps is pleased to welcome Senator Jason Elliott to the SC First Steps Board of Trustees and the SC Early Childhood Advisory Council.

Appointed by Senator Greg Hembree, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Elliott represents District 6 in Greenville Co.

In his #stateofthestate address, Gov. @henrymcmaster highlighted the impact of state-funded four-year-old kindergarten. #FirstSteps4K is proud to be a part of this program, providing thousands of children with quality early education. Learn more: free4Ksc.org

In honor of MLK Day, SC First Steps led a statewide reading event with AmeriCorps, officials & volunteers visiting 4K classrooms to share the joy of reading. Thanks to @ToysForTots_USA , kids took home I Try by Susie Brooks! Celebrating service, literacy & community! #MLKDay